Over-regulation will cost

As the owner of my own heating-and-cooling business, I have firsthand knowledge of how harsh this winter was for homeowners. And while extended periods of cold weather like we've experienced are good for my business, it also concerns me for many in the community who struggle to pay for basic needs like food and electricity.

But hearing from my customers during the last few months, I don't think the effects of our cold winter took a huge toll on their family budgets. As it turns out, and as I tell my customers, our electricity comes from a variety of sources -- primarily coal and natural gas -- and that helps to keep our rates stable year-round.

It's no coincidence that states like ours, that aren't too reliant on just one main source of energy generation, do the best job of protecting ratepayers from the risk of "sticker shock" when our monthly electricity bill arrives.

But we have to make sure increased regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency don't impact our state and the affordability of our electricity in a negative way.

The EPA, by regulating coal and gas power plants, could force us to use more expensive forms of energy. But continuing to use American goal and natural gas that is produced right here in Louisiana is one of the best ways to keep our electricity rates affordable, regardless of the temperature.

As we about think how we're producing reliable and affordable electricity for future generations, it's important that the EPA not hinder our ability to use these resources.

Michael Smith, Shreveport

Lawmakers waste money

Recently I read an article about our elected legislators are debating and considering Louisiana House Bill 1091, which outlaws letting dogs ride in the bed of a truck on interstate highways unrestrained.

Now talk about a complete waste of taxpayers' money. You would think that these people would have more important things to discuss on our dime.

Don't get me wrong, I am a dog lover. I have five of my own. But let's be real here. There are more important things to hammer out while these folks are in session. They only actually work a few days out of the year as it is, and they want to waste time on drivel such as this?

And what really gets my goat is the portion of the proposed law which states "the provisions of this section shall apply only to dogs and no other animal." Now I don't know about anyone else, but this sounds awfully stupid to me.

Marque Smith, West Monroe

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